Patient advocacy is a cornerstone of ethical healthcare practice, encompassing actions that protect patient rights, uphold their autonomy, and ensure they receive high-quality care. Nurses are often seen as being in the best position to play this vital role. This conference abstract aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of patient advocacy and identify strategies for enhancing advocacy practices in healthcare settings. In this comprehensive review, scientific literature, including peer-reviewed articles, professional guidelines, and relevant policies, was retrieved and reviewed. Data extracted from the literature were synthesized using quantitative content analysis to identify different forms of patient advocacy, including clinical advocacy and systemic or workplace advocacy, as well as strategies to improve the necessary skills for each. Clinical advocacy involves ensuring patient safety, supporting informed decision-making, and advocating for appropriate pain management. Improving clinical advocacy requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes building trust and rapport with patients to foster effective communication and shared decision-making. Encouraging patient participation in their care, supporting self-management strategies, fostering effective communication within the healthcare team, and staying informed about relevant ethical, legal, and policy developments are essential components. Workplace or systemic advocacy, on the other hand, focuses on addressing broader issues within the healthcare system that impact patient care. Improving systemic advocacy involves identifying and analyzing systemic issues, such as healthcare disparities, resource limitations, and policy barriers, through data collection, stakeholder engagement, and thorough analysis. Strategies to address these issues include policy advocacy, improved resource allocation, and quality improvement initiatives. Building strong partnerships with other healthcare professionals, community organizations, and policymakers is key. Additionally, promoting education and awareness within both the healthcare workforce and the public is crucial. Leveraging technology to enhance data collection, communication, and mobilization efforts can further support systemic advocacy initiatives. By implementing these strategies, healthcare professionals can effectively advocate for systemic change, improve the quality of care for all patients, and create a more equitable healthcare system. Patient advocacy is a dynamic and multifaceted role that requires continuous learning and adaptation. By embracing the principles outlined in this synthesis, nurses can effectively champion patient rights, improve the quality of care, and contribute to a more equitable healthcare system.
